ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
In a first, Padma awardees 2022 visit National War Memorial, New Delhi;
Pay floral tributes to the bravehearts who have laid down their lives in the service of the Nation
In a new initiative taken by the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Padma award winners for the year 2022 visited the National War Memorial , New Delhi for the first time, on March 22, 2022. President Shri Ram Nath Kovind had conferred two Padma Vibhushan, eight Padma Bhushan and 54 Padma Shri Awards for the year 2022 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 21, 2022. The Civil Investiture Ceremony–II is scheduled to be held on March 28, 2022. Those who visited NWM include Padma Bhushan winners Shri Devendra Jhajharia & Shri Sachchidanand Swami and Padma Shri winners Sardar Jagjit Singh Dardi, Shri Kaajee Singh and Pandit Ram Dayal Sharma.
The awardees went around the memorial, paying floral tributes to the Armed Forces personnel who, since Independence, have made supreme sacrifice to protect the nation’s borders. The awardees appreciated the Government’s initiative of organising the visit to NWM and its efforts to popularise the monument as a place for people, especially the youth, to visit. The awardees were of the view that the visit to the memorial helps in inculcating the values of patriotism, devotion to duty, courage & sacrifice and instils the feeling of nationalism.
“The NWM is an important monument as it will be a source of inspiration for generations to come. It has gained wider popularity because youth can now pay their respects and know more about their role models with just a click of a button from anywhere through the Virtual Museum. The digital kiosks set up within the NWM premises is another good initiative,” said Padma Shri award winner  Sardar Jagjit Singh Dardi.
Another Padma Shri recipient  Shri Kaajee Singh appreciated the distinct design and architecture of NWM and thanked both the President and the Prime Minister for providing such a unique opportunity for them to closely experience the gallant deeds of the Armed Forces.
The NWM was dedicated to the Nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019. It stands testimony to the sacrifices made by the gallant soldiers since Independence. The monument houses the eternal flame which exemplifies the supreme sacrifice made by a soldier in the line of duty thus making him immortal. Since its inauguration, all homage ceremonies are conducted only at the NWM, including those on National Days. Every evening, Next-of-Kin  ceremony is held during which NoK of a fallen hero lays wreath at the Memorial, remembering the supreme sacrifice made by the soldier. Dignitaries from home and abroad visit the NWM as part of their schedule and pay homage to the country’s brave hearts.
Ministry of Communications
Inspection Protocols of Fibre Cables under Bharatnet
Under BharatNet Phase-I, 24 core Optical Fibre Cable  has been used whereas in Phase-II, 48 & above core OFC has been used for underground OFC laying. Further, 24 & above core All Dielectric Self Supporting  cable has been used in case of aerial OFC under BharatNet Phase-II. As part of the project, Acceptance Testing is conducted to check adherence to the standard.
Based on the observations in the draft report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, suitable steps, as required have been taken to address the quality and efficiency issues on BharatNet, inter-alia including the following:
- The Service Level Agreement based Operations &Maintenance  for BharatNet Phase-I, through professional agencies, has been entrusted to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
- Under BharatNet Phase-II, OFC has been laid directly from Block to Gram Panchayat .
- Under BharatNet Phase-II, the implementing agencies have been entrusted to carry out the O&M of the network after completing/ commissioning the work.
- BharatNet network is being given to Telecom Service Providers /Internet Service Providers under Revenue Sharing agreements to provide broadband services in rural areas.
Global Bids were invited on 20.07.2021 for implementation of BharatNet under PPP model in 16 States and opened on 27.01.2022. No response was received.
The Phase-I of the BharatNet has been implemented through three Central Public Sector Undertakings namely Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited , Power Grid Corporation of India Limited  and RailTel Corporation India Limited . The Phase-II of the BharatNet is under implementation through BSNL and State Implementing Agencies except Punjab and Bihar where the Phase-II was implemented under Private Sector Model. In Punjab, HFCL and Vindhya Telelinks Limited  have made 4,713 Gram Panchayats  Service Ready whereas in Bihar, VTL and Polycab have made 2,669 GPs Service Ready. Further, Bharat Broadband Network Limited , the executing agency for BharatNet project has signed about 100 Agreements with Service providers for utilizing BharatNet Phase-I network in the country. BSNL has on-boarded over 700 franchisees so far for utilisation of BharatNet.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Air Marshal Vibhas Pande VSM assumes charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance
Air Marshal Vibhas Pande VSM has taken over as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of Indian Air Force with effect from 01 Jan 2020.
Air Officer was commissioned as Aeronautical Engineer  in IAF on 29 Aug 1984. He started his career as Engineering Officer in IAF with fighter aircraft and later also gained experience in maintenance operations on transport aircraft and helicopters. He has flown nearly 1200 hrs on helicopters as Flight Engineer and has also been Air Force Examiner for Rotary Wing aircraft.
Air Officer is a Post Graduate in Reliability Engineering from IIT Powai, Mumbai. He is also an alumnus of College of Air Warfare and National Defence College.
Air Officer has held the appointments of Senior Production Engineer at 11 Base Repair Depot, Commanding Officer of Air Armament Inspection Wing, Khamaria, Directing Staff at College of Air Warfare and Command Engineering Officer at HQ WAC. He has also spearheaded indigenisation drive in IAF as CO of 1 CIMD. Some of the key appointments held by him include command of a premier Base Repair Depot, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ EAC and ACAS Eng  at Air HQ. Prior to assuming his present appointment, he was holding the appointment of Director General .
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Union Minister For Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Releases Swachh Jal Se Suraksha Campaign Report Under Jal Jeevan Mission
‘Supply of Safe Water’ one of the key considerations under Jal Jeevan Mission
The Union Minister For Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today released the report on progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission: Swachh Jal se Suraksha  Campaign which was organised from 2nd October, 2022 to 31st March, 2023 to impress upon the States/ UTs to make concerted efforts towards taking up water quality monitoring and surveillance activities as ‘Supply of Safe Water’ has been one of the key considerations under JJM. Under the campaign, several activities had been taken up including Testing of PWS sources in all villages for chemical parameters and bacteriological parameters ; Water quality testing at household level in villages; Water quality testing in Schools and Anganwadi Centres; Remedial action taken for contaminated samples; and Training of women for water quality testing using FTK/ H2S vials at village level.
As a result of concerted efforts made by States/ UTs for water quality monitoring and surveillance during campaign period and progress reported on WQMIS portal, the activity-wise overall progress is as under:
Water quality testing has been reported in 5.39 lakh  villages for chemical and in 4.47 lakh  villages for bacteriological contamination .
Drinking water samples were tested in 6.58 lakh  schools and 7.16 lakh  anganwadi centres.
21.80 lakh women have been trained from 4.59 lakh  villages for water quality testing using Field Testing Kits .
Remedial action has been taken for 90.34% of contaminated sample reported.
Performance of states/UTs was also measured during the Campaign. The states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh emerged as the best performing states during the Campaign.
Jal Jeevan Mission  was announced by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 15 August, 2019 to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality on regular & long-term basis to every rural household. Access to assured and safe drinking water is a basic life need. The Objective of the campaign was to ensure drinking water quality and create awareness among representatives of the Panchayati Raj institutions and rural communities about quality of drinking water in their respective villages, water quality issues, water borne diseases & health impacts and avoiding use of water from quality-affected sources.
The desired outcome of the campaign was wide participation at Village, district and State level for water quality testing, building confidence and create awareness among people about quality of water being supplied through piped water supply. States/ UTs PHE/ RWS Department, being ‘Nodal Department’ implemented Swachh Jal se Suraksha campaign in respective States/ UTs by actively involving all the stakeholders viz. Gram Panchayat and/ or its sub-committees/ local community to take up water quality monitoring and surveillance and awareness activities.
Prime Minister's Office
Telephone Conversation between Prime Minister and H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the France
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
The Prime Minister conveyed to President Macron his condolences for the terror attacks in France, and reiterated India's full support to France in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalism.
The leaders also discussed other bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, including improving the affordability and accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines, post-covid economic recovery, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, defence cooperation, digital economy and cyber security, strengthening multilateralism, and climate change & biodiversity.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and strength that the India-France Strategic Partnership has acquired in recent years and agreed to continue working closely together in the post-COVID era.
Prime Minister expressed his wish to welcome President Macron in India after the normalisation of the public-health situation.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Use of organic fertilizers in agriculture
All India Coordinated Research Project on ‘Long Term Fertilizer Experiments’ of Indian Council of Agriculture Research  over five decades at fixed sites have indicated that continuous use of nitrogenous fertilizer alone had deleterious effect on soil health and crop productivity showing deficiencies of other major and micro nutrients. Even with recommended doses of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium , deficiency of micro and secondary nutrients has become yield limiting factor over the years. Deficient nutrients may also affect plant growth and cause plant physiological disorders. ICAR has been recommending soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources  of plant nutrients for judicious use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil health. In addition, growing leguminous crops and use of Resource Conservation Technologies  are also advocated.
On the lines of the sale of chemical fertilizers, retailers/traders, must obtain authorization from notified authority of State Government for sale of organic fertilizers, as per provision of clause 8 of Fertilizer Control Order , 1985.
Government is implementing dedicated organic farming schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yjana  and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region  since 2015-16. Under these schemes, farmers are primarily encouraged to adopt organic cultivation using various organic inputs including organic fertilizers and provided end to end from production to marketing of organic produce. Hands-on-training to farmers about on-farm production of organic fertilizers and its use are integral part of these schemes.
The information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Bhagwanth Khuba in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Loan portal for MSMEs
A portal www.psbloansin59minutes.com has been launched by a public limited company, ‘Online PSB loans Ltd’ in which SIDBI & other public sector banks hold majority stake. The portal facilitates in-principle approval of loans for MSMEs in 59 minutes by various banks.
A separate Scheme has also been launched under which 2% interest subvention on fresh or incremental loan upto Rs.1 crore is provided to MSMEs having valid GSTN number and Udyog Aadhar Number. The above measures help the MSMEs in easier access to finance at reduced cost.
This information was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to inaugurate National Conference on Vigilance and Anti Corruption
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the National Conference on Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, on the theme सतर्क भारत, समृद्ध भारत  at 4:45 PM on 27th October, 2020 via video conferencing.
The Inaugural Session of the Conference will be live streamed and available on the link
https://pmindiawebcast.nic.in/
Background:
The Central Bureau of Investigation organizes this National Conference coinciding with ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’, which is observed in India every year from 27th October to 2nd November. Activities in this conference would be focused on Vigilance issues aimed at raising awareness and reaffirming India’s commitment to promotion of integrity and probity in public life through citizen participation.
The three day conference would discuss the Challenges in investigation in foreign jurisdictions; Preventive Vigilance as a Systemic Check against Corruption; Systemic improvements for financial inclusion and prevention of bank frauds; Effective Audit as an Engine of Growth; Latest amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act as an impetus to the fight against corruption; Capacity Building and Training; Multi Agency Coordination-an enabler for faster and more effective Investigation; Emerging Trends in Economic Offences, Cyber Crimes and Transnational Organized Crime-measures to Control and Exchange of Best Practices among Criminal Investigative Agencies.
The Conference shall bring policy makers and practitioners on a common platform and will act as an enabler to combat corruption through systemic improvements and preventive vigilance measures, thereby ushering in good governance and accountable administration. This is a significant contributing factor for enabling ease of doing business in India.
Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh will also address the Inaugural Session.
The participants of the Conference include Heads of Anti-Corruption Bureaux, Vigilance Bureaux, Economic Offence Wings/CID from States/UTs; CVO’s, CBI officials and representatives from various Central agencies will also participate. The inaugural session will also be attended by Chief Secretaries and DGsP of States/UTs.
Special Service and Features
IISER must lead by example in combining traditional knowledge with a modern approach: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that Indian Institute of Science Education and Research  Thiruvananthapuram must lead by example in combining traditional knowledge with a modern approach. The minister was addressing the 10th Convocation ceremony of IISER, Thiruvananthapuram. The minister said that the art and science of Kallaripayattu is one such ancient and traditional knowledge of Kerala.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that society expects novel scientific solutions to problems faced by humanity from an institution of the stature of IISER,Thiruvananthapuram. The minister congratulated the students for receiving their degrees and encouraged them to focus on becoming job-creators rather than job-seekers.
Union Minister also invited IISER Thiruvananthapuram to participate in the National Curriculum Framework development process.
Prof. Aravind A. Natu, Chairperson, IISER said that IISER has emerged as an institution of top-class research and quality education of global repute. Prof. Jarugu Narasimha Moorthy, Director, IISER said that IISER was the first to launch the 2-year M.Sc. programs that align with the mandate of the National Educational Policy -2020. He also said that IISER, Thiruvanthapuram launched new master's science programmes in four disciplines, admitting 80 students in 2021.
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Ministry of Women and Child Development
Smart Anganwadi Project
Anganwadi Services under Umbrella ICDS Scheme is one of the ongoing flagship programmes of the Government of India for early childhood care and development. The beneficiaries under this scheme are children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Under Anganwadi Services, a package of six services, namely,  Supplementary Nutrition;  Pre-school Non-formal Education;  Nutrition & Health Education;  Immunization;  Health Check-up; and  Referral Services is being provided to all eligible beneficiaries. Three of the six services, viz., immunization, health check-up and referral services, are related to health and are provided by NRHM & Public Health Infrastructure.
The Scheme operates through a network of 7075 fully operational Projects and 13.87 lakh AWCs as on March, 2021.
The list of non- functional Anganwadi Kendras State/ UT-wise is at Annexure-1. From time to time Ministry advises States/UTs to operationalize the Anganwadi centres which are non operational. Further, in various meetings, States/ UTs have been advised to expedite the operationalization of the non-functional AWCs for the benefit of the people.
Smart Anganwadi Project is an initiative of Government of Kerala for improving the service delivered at Anganwadi Centre for overall physical and mental development of children. The State has finalized 6 types of plans and estimates for the construction of Anganwadi Buildings on the basis of availability of land. It provides space for class rooms, dining hall, kitchen, store room, creative zone, indoor and outdoor play area. The funds have been provided by the State Government and LSGD Institutions.
The first Smart Anganwadi building in the State of Kerala is under construction in Thiruvananthapuram District under Thiruvananthapuram Urban II ICDS Project. The project cost for the same is Rs.44,94,518/-, for which sufficient funds have been provided by the State Government of Kerala. 80% of the construction of Anganwadi Building has been completed.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Plantation Labour Act
The Government is planning to subsume the Plantations Labour Act, 1951 in the Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Condition Bill, 2019 which inter-alia aims to provide fair wages to plantation workers by limiting the kind component, to provide welfare facilities through the welfare schemes of the government and involve appropriate agencies in providing welfare schemes and enforcement of the provisions of the Act. The proposed Bill also aims to provide better welfare facilities to plantation workers such as medical, drinking water, educational facilities, housing facilities etc.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Union Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No. 40/2022 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in supersession of the Notification No.34/2022-Customs, dated 21st April, 2022 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 6th May, 2022, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.
No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Australian Dollar
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56.45
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54.10
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2.
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Bahraini Dinar
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208.55
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195.90
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3.
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Canadian Dollar
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60.90
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58.80
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4.
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Chinese Yuan
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11.70
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11.35
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5.
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Danish Kroner
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11.05
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10.70
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6.
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EURO
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82.45
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79.45
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7.
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Hong Kong Dollar
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9.90
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9.55
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8.
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Kuwaiti Dinar
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256.65
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240.60
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9.
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New Zealand Dollar
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51.25
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48.95
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10.
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Norwegian Kroner
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8.40
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8.10
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11.
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Pound Sterling
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97.65
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94.35
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12.
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Qatari Riyal
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21.60
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20.15
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13.
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Saudi Arabian Riyal
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20.95
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19.70
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14.
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Singapore Dollar
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56.40
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54.55
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15.
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South African Rand
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5.10
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4.75
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16.
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Swedish Kroner
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7.95
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7.70
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17.
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Swiss Franc
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79.90
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76.90
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18.
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Turkish Lira
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5.35
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5.00
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19.
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UAE Dirham
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21.40
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20.10
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20.
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US Dollar
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77.05
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75.35
SCHEDULE-II
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Sl.
No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Japanese Yen
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60.00
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58.00
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2.
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Korean Won
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6.30
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5.90